08/11/2025
I arrived in Deerfield Beach after a four-hour train journey from Tampa — another chance to stare out of the window, reflect on the trip so far, and mentally prepare for the workshop ahead. Fourteen therapists were travelling from all over the U.S. to join me for five days of training.
As you may know, I’m quite strict about who can attend the Advanced MLD & Postoperative Protocols workshop. Therapists need to have at least 40 hours of recognised MLD training — from schools like Klose Training, Vodder, Norton, or ACOLS.
There’s a reason for this.
Over the past few years, there’s been a boom in fast, “lymphatic massage” courses that don’t teach clinical skin-stretching techniques, use oils, skip deep abdominal drainage, and often don’t work in the direction of anatomical lymph pathways. This isn’t just a difference in style — it’s a difference in safety and outcomes.
The work I teach is rooted in clinical lymph drainage and decongestive therapy.
My own training began with Bruno Chikly’s Lymph Drainage Therapy in 2006. I completed my Lymphoedema Certification with Klose Training in 2008. And between 2011 and 2018, I travelled to the Foeldi Clinic four times for advanced updates and reviews.
I’m a perfectionist when it comes to technique — but I believe that’s essential when we’re treating vulnerable postoperative patients. Every hand stroke matters.
For the workshops in Arkansas and Deerfield Beach, a few therapists hadn’t yet reached the 40-hour prerequisite, so we added a foundation day. This allowed me to assess technique, refine hand strokes, and teach the Manual Lymphatic Therapy routines needed to support postoperative protocols.
That way, when we moved into the advanced surgical protocols, everyone could hit the ground running — confident and prepared.
Deerfield Beach itself was very different from quiet North Redington. It was busier, more touristy, and the Atlantic waves were much rougher than the still Gulf waters. I didn’t swim in the sea this time — instead, the hotel pool became my evening “aqua traction” when my back had had enough after days on my feet.
Once again, the therapists were warm, welcoming, and deeply willing to learn. This was the eighth workshop I’ve taught, and I could feel myself in my groove. The content flowed, each day built on the previous one — though, if you know me, you’ll know my brain is already buzzing with ideas for improving the structure for 2026.
By the final day of every workshop, when I’m watching the practical assessments and reading case studies, I feel like a proud mamma. The transformation is always so clear — not just in technique, but in confidence, body language, clarity of thought, and clinical decision-making.
I am proud of every therapist who “graduates” from the Aftercare Academy and leaves holding their certificate — not just as a piece of paper, but as a reflection of real skill.
Because gradually — and together — we are making postoperative aftercare safer.
I’d love to know:
Do you ever feel unsure or lacking confidence in your practice right now?
If so, what’s one thing that you feel would help you feel more confident?
Reply in the comments — I’d love to hear.
